More than just a "date movie"
If you’re expecting high-stakes paradoxes or a race against a ticking clock, you’re watching the wrong film. The time travel here is low-fi—no DeLorean, just a dark closet and some clenched fists. It’s a narrative device used to solve the most relatable problem an awkward 21-year-old has: how to not ruin a first impression.
The first half plays like a standard, albeit very charming, romantic comedy. But the movie pulls a bait-and-switch in the best way possible. It eventually stops being about "getting the girl" and starts being about how to handle the inevitable grief and mundanity of being an adult. It’s one of the most memorable father-son movie duos you’ll find in modern cinema. Bill Nighy plays the father with a relaxed, tea-drinking wisdom that anchors the whole experience. If your teen is starting to realize that you won't be around forever, this movie will hit them like a ton of bricks.
Navigating the R-rating
The R-rating is a bit of a head-scratcher if you’re used to American standards where "R" usually means "chainsaws or nudity." Here, it’s almost entirely about the dialogue. The characters swear like real British people—casually and frequently. There is also a fair amount of "sex talk," including a very funny, very awkward sequence where the protagonist keeps "re-doing" his first time with his girlfriend to make it less of a disaster.
It isn't graphic, but it is honest. If you’re looking for family-friendly rom-coms that stay firmly in the PG-13 "hand-holding" zone, this isn't that. But for a 15-year-old who has already heard every four-letter word on the bus, the "mature" content here is actually quite wholesome. It treats sex as a part of a committed, loving relationship rather than a conquest or a punchline.
Why it’s a New Year’s staple
There’s a specific sequence involving a New Year’s Eve party that perfectly encapsulates the movie’s philosophy. It’s about the difference between being physically present and being emotionally present. Because of that, it has become a go-to pick for New Year's Eve movies for families with teens.
The 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects how well this lands with actual viewers compared to the more cynical 55 Metacritic score from critics. Critics found it sentimental; audiences found it necessary. It’s a movie that asks you to look at your boring, stressful, Tuesday-afternoon life and realize it’s actually the "good old days." For a generation of kids growing up with the curated perfection of social media, that’s a perspective worth a couple of hours on the couch.
If they liked The Notebook
Rachel McAdams is the common denominator here, but her character in About Time is much more grounded. If your teen enjoyed the sweeping, tragic romance of her earlier work, they’ll likely appreciate this, but be prepared for them to be surprised by the shift in focus. The romance is the hook, but the family is the point. It’s less about "love at first sight" and more about "love at the thousandth sight," once you’ve seen all the flaws and decided to stay anyway.
